Pre-Spring Cleaning Activities To Tackle On A Snow Day

Is there snow coming and you might be stuck inside? Want to be productive? Here are 5 pre-Spring cleaning activities you can do on a snow day to get you started. After all, once Spring officially arrives, who wants to spend time indoors cleaning? I don’t!

Task #1: Organize Your Linen Closet

Look through your towels for ripped towels and set them to the side in your garage (they work great to dry your car after washing). Make sure you have every type of towel (bath, hand, & washcloth) so each family member has enough. If you want to be super organized, have a different color for each family member. I did that when the boys were young, but not anymore.

Do the same with your sheets, and make sure you have complete sets for each bed in your house. I used to have one set of sheets for Winter, and one for Summer. It got to be a pain to keep track of everything. So, the sheets on the boys’ beds are jersey knits, and the ones on our bed are lightweight flannel. Perfect for all-year round. When finished, make a list of things that need to be replaced. The next time you are able, purchase the needed items and restock your closet. Look for end of Winter sales or pre-Spring sales.

What Should Be In My Linen Closet?

Here is a list of a few items to include in your linen closet:

Bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths
One set of sheets for each bed in the house and a spare set to use for guests
Spare blankets and pillows
Duvet covers or comforters
Spare toiletries and paper products
Cleaning products

How Do I Update My Old Linen Closet?

Here are a few posts to get you started!

What If I Don’t Have A Linen Closet?

If you have a storage trunk or ottoman, you can use it to store your linens in them. Roll your towels and washcloths, fold your sheets smaller, and place inside. Close the lid and they are hidden from sight. These items also double as seating space in a pinch.

Freestanding Linen closet ideas

Task #2: Update Your Spice Rack As Part Of Your Pre-Spring-Cleaning Activities

Take a few moments to check for expired spices. Do you have some that you’ve never opened? Do you have some that you faithfully use and always run out? Now is the time to look at each and every one of them, see what you need and what you can toss. If you keep your spices in a cabinet, take a moment to wipe them down, and vacuum it out if necessary.

What Essentials Do I Need For My Spice Cabinet?

Here are a few of the spices you will find in my spice cabinet:

Onion powder
Garlic powder
Black pepper
Regular salt
Oregano leaves
Red pepper flakes
Cayenne pepper
Chili powder
Apple pie spice
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Ground cinnamon

These are just a few to get you started. I also have garlic salt and onion flakes in my cabinet too. Make a master list on your computer, and keep it updated with expiration dates. I found I wasted less when I did this and even put a task on my calendar to do it monthly.

Check your cookbooks during your pre-Spring cleaning activities to see if you really need them. If you don’t, then toss them in the garbage. Take a moment to see if you need some updated ones for the Summer season, especially if you do a lot of grilling. Add those to your shopping list for the next time you go.

Task #3: Review and Replenish Your First Aid Kit

There is nothing worse than having an emergency, and you don’t have the proper first aid/medicine supplies to help in this situation. After all, in an emergency, time matters.

Now is a great time to check expiration dates or see if anything needs to be replenished. I check mine 4 times a year, and after every vacation trip. It has been a lifesaver several times. Grab a pencil and paper so you can make a list to tackle this pre-Spring cleaning activity.

Not sure what you need in your first aid kit? Here are a few examples I keep in mine:

Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve. Depending on who needs it and what their medical history is, I like to have something for all possible situations.
Bandaids, gauze pads, and tape. These combinations of supplies work from everything from a blister to a severely scraped knee.
Non-sting, antibacterial spray. I don’t know about you, but when I scrape myself, I don’t want ANYONE touching me. The spray allows you to get the benefits of the antibacterial element without the touching part.
Benadryl tabs, cream, and chewable tablets. I believe that having all of these forms is important, depending on the situation. Chewable tablets work for kids and adults that can’t swallow pills well. Cream works for all kinds of rashes. Allergic reactions can be a scary thing.
Gas pills, antacids, antidiarrheals, and stool softeners. Let’s face it, GI tracts can be finicky in new situations. It is always good to have something that takes care of any possible scenario.

Those are just a few things to get you started on your first aid kit. Keep in mind your family’s activities when you create yours. Now that my kids are older, I don’t need a lot of the liquid medications or other items geared toward young kids.

Task #4: Check Your Stock Of Batteries & Flashlights

Here is something you may not have thought of for your pre-Spring cleaning activities checklist. You should have one flashlight for every member of your household. Have twice the number of batteries available for each flashlight (for example, we have 4 people in our family. Each flashlight requires 2 “D” batteries. Which means I have a minimum of 16 “D” batteries at any given time.)

I also keep a stock of 4 9-volt batteries(for our fire detectors), a 16-pack of “AA” batteries. Do you know how tragic it is not to have batteries for video game remotes? And then I have an 8 pack of “AAA” batteries for remotes.

Whatever you need for your family, this is a good time to check and stock up. That way, you are ready for the next time change as well.

Task #5: Create A Cleaning Caddy For Pre-Spring Cleaning Activities & Beyond

Did you ever realize that when it comes to cleaning, it is easier when you have the right tools? Now is a great time to get a tool kit together so it is ready to use when it is truly time for Spring cleaning.

Purchase a storage caddy with a handle, it is sturdy and very easy to clean. For my caddy, I keep the following items:

A bottle of glass cleaner
Roll of paper towels
Furniture polish
Dust rags
A bottle of Febreze
A container of carpet sprinkles
Bathroom spray

Pre-Spring Cleaning Activities To Tackle On A Snow Day